Q: "Le Trec". What the hell is that?

A: Le Trec is a relatively new equestrian sport introduced by the French!. It's an event that has three phases.

POR (Parcours d'Orientation et de Regularite)- You're given a map and time to copy a route that will take you through the country side, the length/ degree of difficulty of the route will depend on your level of comfort. You can go solo or in pairs.

CP (Matrisse des Allures / Control of Paces)- Tests your control on a narrow track - you have to canter (or trot) as slow as you can and then walk as fast as you can (without breaking pace).

PTV (Parcours en Terrain Varie) - This phase is an obstacle course. While this phase does include some jumping, the size of the obstacles will be set according to the level of competition and each obstacle is optional and does not incur elimination if bypassed.

The course also includes some tasks which must be undertaken whilst dismounted, as well as tests of obedience and calmness. It is designed to give an indication of the horse/rider's suitability to cope with the kind of obstacles and difficulties that might be encountered whilst riding, and demonstrate the partnership working calmly and efficiently together.

Best thing about Le Trec is that this sport is suitable for riders at all levels and horses at any point in their career. It is flexible enough to accommodate those who ride in all kinds of styles: English, Western, tree-less (even side-saddle) and in both bitted and bitless bridles. NB: The horse needs to wear a halter and lead rope for the event as they are required for leading through some of the obstacles in the PTV phase and the horse might need to be tied up as part of a task.

Another great thing is that you don't get eliminated if you don't want to do one of the bits of the event, you just don't get any points. So, if say you don't want to jump, you tell the steward and you could still win the event.

Read more about the Le Trek Competition on 18th October

Q: I'm looking for a clinic that's going to challenge me but as I don't choose to jump is a Le Trec Clinic going to be for people like me.

A: Absolutely. Read more about Le Trek. There's no problem if you don't chose to jump. There will be "obstacles" and challenges but these are not all jumps!

Q: I'm worried about working with a number of other horses. My horse can get excited in a group and then it turns to custard and what was supposed to be fun, turns into a nightmare. Is a Le Trec Clinic going to involve any sort of racing?

A: No. You will be training to compete against the clock but only so as to make sure that you complete each section at the correct pace for the various walk, trot or canter speeds.

Q: How many people in a session? I am sick of paying for something like this only to discover that there are too many people in the session and I don't feel I get full value for my money.

A: There will be no more than 5 people to a session, but most likely just 4.

This is a very valid point so I'll give you a money back guarantee that you'll have fun and go way with some new ideas on how to interact with your horse.

Q: Can I bring my horse out on Saturday, to get used to the place & book a paddock for the night so that I don't have to start too early on Sunday?

A: Good idea to bring your horse out "to case the joint" on Saturday afternoon. Hire of paddock is not a problem.

Q: Le Trek does include jumping options doesn't it? What height are these fences going to be?

A: What height do you want them to be? Tell us the height you and your horse are comfortable jumping and that's what we'll jump

Le Trec Clinics

Next Clinic Sun 8th November 2009

Click here for pictures and comments about previous
Le Trec Clinics and Competitions

There is lots of constructive & positive feedback

"Thank you. It is obvious you have a passion for passing on knowledge and allowing people both young and old to enjoy the sport in world class surroundings. We are privileged to have you on our doorstep. Thank you

Diana and Tilly."

There is lots of constructive and positive feedback

"Hi Cheski,

Thank you for your instruction and support. It’s quite a challenge to go up in height on an experienced horse let alone a young one so I was thrilled to have achieved what we did. I do appreciate the facility you are providing, especially as it provides such a great environment for a young horse to learn with out any pressure.

Thanks Anja"
Read more feedback

This clinic will cover a brief introduction to all 3 phases of Le Trec,

How slowly can you canter and trot? How fast can you walk? Find out as we practice the (CP) Pace and Gaits phase.

Have fun with a number of the diverse tasks and exercises in the obstacle or PTV (Parcours en Terrain Varie): This is like the cross country phase in an ODE, with a small number of jumps and a variety of other obstacles, the beauty is that you get to work at your pace and if you don't want to do one of the obstacles then don't!

However everyone who has been on a clinic has been surprised at what they could enjoy and do

Book a Space to participate in this clinic

AND IF YOU CAN'T COME & RIDE THEN

Come and be

"A Fly on the Wall!"

The challenges and concerns you see other people have are probably exactly the same as yours!

Come, watch, listen and learn.
Only $10/spectator/session.

Book a spot.

Feedback from Previous Clinics

Cheski's credentials:

BHSII (British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor Qualification)
Coach Educator, Equestrian Sports New Zealand
Behavioural Expert for NZ Horse & Pony Magazine
Painstakingly trained by over three thousand horses
Sensible, practical and passionate about allowing people and horses to be confident and happy in each other's company.

Sessions 1 hr & 45 mins. $ 75 per combination/session. Riding Spaces limited. All levels catered for. Groups will be organised according to horse & rider experience and confidence levels.

Book a Space to participate in this clinic

(if you have trouble opening this link, please e-mail info@abderry.co.nz and ask for a Le Trec Clinic Entry Form)

Also covered in the clinic

That a good horseperson is an all rounder not just someone who wins ribbons, so a good horse person has the versatility to be a successful Le Trekker
Why it is important to check that your horse/pony respects and trusts you before you get in the saddle.
What you need to know before you commit your health & safety to your horse's generosity.
How important it is for you and your horse to "travel" before you insist that it carries it's head, neck and body in a certain fashion as you ask it to go "on the bit"
Understanding the many nuances to riding "properly".
HAVING FUN in safety, yet working close to the edge of your comfort zone.
Learning to understand how not to offend your horse and how to make it easy for it to do the right things and help you enjoy your time with him even more

Book a Space to participate in this clinic (if you have trouble opening this link, please e-mail info@abderry.co.nz and ask for a Le Trek Clinic Entry Form)

Another comment after a session with Cheski.....

Hi Cheski

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the effort and patience you put into our lesson on Saturday evening. I am still buzzing from it and have declared many a time since then that it was the best fun Teddy and I have had in a long long time. I just wish we'd come to you two years ago before the fear had well and truly set in. Rather than dreading it, I am now looking forward to the next time Teddy and I can have a play out in the paddocks at home. AND, I never thought I'd be saying this, I am now actually looking forward to the cross-country!!!!

In talking to the other members of the team we are all keen to come to you again so will be in contact with you again very shortly.

Thank you once again.

Jodine

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